Zaria

Passport validity requirements

To enter Nigeria, your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive. 

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. 

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter Nigeria as a visitor. Get your visa before travelling.

If you have a valid Nigerian residence permit (CERPAC or Green Card), you do not need a visa to enter Nigeria.

For further information contact the Nigeria High Commission in the UK.

Applying for a visa

Visa on arrival is no longer available.  All visa applications must be submitted through the online portal prior to travel.

You can apply for a visa from Nigerian Immigration Services.

Landing and departure cards

The Nigerian authorities have introduced a system for foreigners to complete landing and departure cards before entry/exit and you may be asked for these at the airport or other border points.

The forms can be completed through the online portal.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Nigeria, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Nigeria guide.

Infants aged 8 months or younger and adults aged 61 or older are exempt from this requirement.

Ebola screening

Travellers entering Nigeria from countries with Ebola virus disease transmission must complete an online Nigeria Health Declaration Form before travel. You may also be required to undergo thermal screening and a travel history check on arrival.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Nigeria. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

It is illegal to import beer, mineral water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, fruits, vegetables, cereals, eggs, textile fabrics, jewellery or precious metals.

It is illegal to export African art, particularly antiques, without written authorisation from the Department of Antiquities.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Nigeria. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

It is illegal to import beer, mineral water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, fruits, vegetables, cereals, eggs, textile fabrics, jewellery or precious metals.

It is illegal to export African art, particularly antiques, without written authorisation from the Department of Antiquities.

Emergency services in Nigeria

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

There is no national ambulance service and hospital-owned services are extremely limited. You may need to get local advice or arrange local transport.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding lawyers and funeral directors in Nigeria
• dealing with a death in Nigeria
• being arrested in Nigeria
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Nigeria on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

North East Nigeria

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• Borno State
• Yobe State
• Adamawa State
• Gombe State

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• Bauchi State

North West Nigeria

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• Katsina State
• Zamfara State

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• Kaduna State
• Kano State
• Kebbi State
• Jigawa State
• Sokoto State

North Central Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• Niger State
• Kogi State
• Plateau State
• Taraba State
• Kwara State
• Benue State

South East and South South Nigeria

FCDO advises against all travel to the riverine areas (the river and swamp locations accessible by boat, but not by road) of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• Abia State
• non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States
• Anambra State
• Imo State

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. 

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

Using a mobile

Your SIM must be linked to a Nigerian Identification Number. Get guidance from your network operator.

Ramadan

Nigeria has the largest Muslim population in sub-Saharan Africa. You should behave and dress modestly, particularly in the north and when visiting religious sites.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year. During this time, in any predominantly Muslim area you should not:

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public areas (including in cars and taxis) during the daytime
• sit down to eat in hotels and restaurants without checking if there is a separate or screened area for food and drink
• ignore dress codes – it is more important to wear respectful clothing during Ramadan
• play loud music, swear, shout, sing or dance

Be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly at dusk when people are getting back home to eat.

Illegal drugs

Possession or use of illegal drugs, including cannabis, carries severe penalties in Nigeria. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting.

Nigeria has excellent  technology and security for detecting illegal items at the border. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Using cameras in secure areas

Photography of government, military buildings and airports may lead to arrest.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Nigeria with penalties of up to 14 years in prison. Some northern states observe Sharia Law which can prescribe the death penalty for same-sex sexual activity.  

The ‘Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act’ provides for lengthy prison sentences for anyone involved in same-sex marriages, including those who help arrange, carry out or even attend events perceived to be same-sex weddings. The Act also criminalises anyone who helps register, organise or participate in gay groups, organisations, or those who publicly promote same-sex relationships. 

Same-sex relationships are generally viewed as socially unacceptable in Nigerian society. There is an increased risk of violence, attacks and threats, such as blackmail and intimidation against anyone being thought to be part of the LGBT+ community or supporting their rights.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.